SFGate

Ironwood Builders A separate shower means it can be bigger or shaped differently than a traditional 30X60 tub/shower. In addition, the split off of the tub means a spa, air jet or deep soaking tub can be installed. It's all about luxury...

Scott Design, Inc. From a practical and convenience point of view, there are three things that client's continually point out to me when discussing the remodeling of their bath and why they want a separate shower from the tub. 1. Climbing in and out of a tub (regardless of age) is inconvenient and not the safest position to be in around water. 2. Taking a bath in a tub with an enclosure providing half an opening is claustrophobic. 3. Shower curtains provide inadequate water barrier and reduce the amount of light into the space (if there is no overhead light).

sherrillmills I'm interested in this discussion thread as I have same dilemma. If I were to add separate shower I'd have to move a wall. I want to keep one tub in the house but seems senseless to have a tub I'd rarely use. Keep comments coming....thanks.

Dytecture I agree, having a separate tub makes the ensuite feel lager and luxurious, thus adding perceived value for some people. Although the trend is going towards a larger shower in favor of having a tub.

Interiors International, Inc. Separate if you have the space. It is a pain stepping over the tub to take a shower.

marthahixon thanks for the input. I see the point about having it being a safety issue stepping into and out of a tub, especially when one is older or ill. But other than that, it does just seem a perceived luxury factor thing (which I don't really care about, myself; that just means more stuff to keep clean, ha!). Good quality shower curtains have always seemed to keep the water inside just fine for us, and they're so much easier to keep clean (and update or change decor with), and if there is a light in the shower/tub area, it's not dark. But I guess it's just what a person is used to.

Thanks for taking the time to respond, all!